JACKSON — Mississippi lawmakers have passed a bill that will allow high school dropouts and potential dropouts to enroll at community colleges, earning a high school diploma while getting worker training.

The state already has a law allowing such dual enrollment. But, Gov. Phil Bryant has been pushing Senate Bill 2792, saying it will be an alternative for some students in danger of not completing their education.

The Senate gave final approval to the measure yesterday, and Bryant says he intends to sign it into law.

Students would not be charged community college tuition. Local K-12 school districts would receive state aid for students being taught at the colleges and reimburse the colleges.

The program would be implemented statewide beginning next fall, once K-12 and community college officials work out the details.